News and updates

Stay connected! Read our newsletter, join our email list, and follow us on Facebook and X @BARinfo.

Upcoming public meetings and events

April 23, 2026 - BAR Advisory Group Meeting

July 30, 2026 - BAR Advisory Group Meeting

October 22, 2026 - BAR Advisory Group Meeting

BAR launches updated online license renewal system NEW

BAR is launching an updated online license renewal system. The new system is easier to use, faster, and more accurate. It now also allows licensees to renew multiple licenses at the same time in one transaction.

What’s new and improved

The updated system offers licensees several key benefits:

  • Check eligibility for renewal. The system checks license renewal eligibility to help licensees avoid errors and delays.

  • Renew multiple licenses at once. Licensees can now renew more than one license in one simple transaction.

  • Make one combined payment. Pay renewal fees for multiple licenses in one easy payment.

  • Avoid payment errors. The system ensures payments are applied to the correct license number and type.

  • Renew all license types. Vehicle safety systems inspection licenses can now be renewed online.

  • Receive faster processing. Payments are processed more quickly, reducing delays and follow-up issues.

Courtesy notices are mailed to licensees before their license expiration date. Licensees are reminded that it is their responsibility to renew on time, even if they do not receive a notice.

Updated Write It Right guide provides updates and clarifications for automotive repair dealers NEW

BAR has updated the Write It Right guide. The updated guide clarifies existing requirements and reflects new regulations.

Highlights of the updates include:

  • Mobile repair invoices – An invoice for mobile automotive repairs must include the address or location where the repairs were performed.

  • Tear down estimates – Estimates must describe the general area to be disassembled—an itemized list of every part to be removed is not required.

  • Paint and materials costs – New guidance explains two acceptable ways to estimate paint and materials costs.

Stay current! Bookmark the Write It Right guide to access the latest version.

New laws taking effect in 2026

Each year, new laws go into effect that can have an impact on the automotive repair industry. Below is a summary of the key changes taking effect January 1, 2026. We've also included reminders to help licensees stay in compliance.

New laws for 2026

AB 987 (Sharp-Collins): Vehicle storage and towing

Assembly Bill 987 expands the list of presumptively unreasonable fees in Vehicle Code sections 10652.5 and 22524.5 to include, among other things, storage fees charged for state holidays that exceed the posted standard daily storage rate. It also includes towing fees charged when the owner is directed by a law enforcement officer to remove their vehicle to clear the roadway during a state or local emergency.

SB 774 (Ashby): Citation and remedial training programs

Senate Bill 774 bill extends the sunset (or end) date of the remedial training program for automotive repair dealers from January 1, 2026, to January 1, 2028. The program allows an automotive repair dealer to prevent disclosure on the Bureau website of a citation for violation of the Automotive Repair Act by attending remedial training from a BAR-accepted training provider.

SB 861 (Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee): Technical Cleanup

Senate Bill 861 updates cross references to the Business and Professions Code that replaced provisions for licensure of lamp and brake adjusting stations and adjusters with provisions for licensure of vehicle safety systems inspection stations and technicians.

Important reminders for the new year

The start of the year is a good time to review ongoing requirements:

Online advertising requirements for automotive repair dealers

Starting October 1, all automotive repair dealers must follow new requirements for online advertising. These rules apply to all automotive repair businesses and were adopted as part of the recently adopted regulations for mobile automotive repair and automotive repair referral services.

All online advertisements for your business must include:

  • Your business name as registered with BAR

  • Your automotive repair dealer registration number

  • Your phone number as registered with BAR

Licensees are encouraged to review their license information on file with BAR and update it online if needed.

New tear down disclosure requirements now in effect

New tear down requirements for automotive repair dealers are effective July 1. These changes are part of the Bureau of Automotive Repair’s (BAR) approved regulatory action to update to Title 16 of the California Code (sections 3303, 3352, and 3353).

Key regulatory changes

  • Adds and amends definitions, including “tear down,” “third-party payor,” and “specific job”

  • Clarifies what must be included in a tear down estimate, such as time and cost to reassemble

  • Outlines requirements for preparing an estimate based on one provided by a third-party payor

  • Requires disclosure of third-party payor amounts on the estimate, or a notice if the amount is unknown

  • Requires towing service fees to be provided to the customer and authorized separately from the repair estimate

View the final regulatory text and materials.

For guidance on the new requirements, see the Write It Right guide.

Submit your educational certifications online

Automotive repair dealers can now submit their educational certifications online. This information is also now displayed on BAR's Auto Shop Locator.

If you've already submitted certifications with your application, please resubmit them online. This will help ensure they appear on the Auto Shop Locator.

Help consumers learn about your business's qualifications when choosing an auto shop. Submit your educational certifications today!

The Smog Check Referee Program is recruiting

Join the Referee team and help reduce air pollution for all Californians. Positions are open at community college campuses throughout California. Learn more

BAR career opportunities are available for auto professionals

We’re hiring! BAR is seeking professionals in the automotive industry to fill automotive program representative vacancies across the state. For information on openings and how to apply, visit Career Opportunities.

Fraud alerts for DCA licensed professionals

DCA licensed professionals may be impacted by fraudulent activity. Read fraud alerts